Why do we pray, or rather, what is the spiritual reason why there are 6-7 prayers per day in the Orthodox life?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The practice of praying at specific intervals throughout the day is central to Coptic Orthodox life, primarily following the arrangement of the Agpeya, which is the Book of Hours.

The spiritual foundation for praying seven times a day is rooted in the Holy Scriptures, specifically fulfilling the words of the Prophet David: "Seven times a day do I praise You because of Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 119:164). Furthermore, it fulfills the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ that we should pray at all times and not lose heart (Luke 18:1).

Each hour is designed to keep the believer in constant communion with God by commemorating specific events in the life of our Lord and the history of salvation:

1. Prime (Matins - 6 A.M.): We pray this at sunrise to remember the Resurrection of our Lord. It represents a new beginning and the true light that shines upon the world.
2. Tierce (9 A.M.): We remember two major events: the trial of Christ by Pilate and, most significantly, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost.
3. Sixth Hour (12 P.M.): We remember the Crucifixion of our Lord and His being nailed to the Cross for our salvation.
4. Ninth Hour (3 P.M.): We remember the physical death of Christ on the Cross and the acceptance of the thief on His right into Paradise.
5. Eleventh Hour (Vespers - 5 P.M.): We remember the taking down of Christ’s body from the Cross and His burial. Spiritually, it serves as a thanksgiving for the end of the day.
6. Twelfth Hour (Compline - 6 P.M.): Prayed before sleep, we remember our departure from this world and the final judgment, asking for protection through the night.
7. Midnight: This prayer is divided into three watches, remembering the three times Christ prayed in Gethsemane. It focuses on the Second Coming (the Last Advent) of our Lord, reminding us to be like the wise virgins who kept their lamps lit.

Additionally, there is the Veil prayer, which is specifically for monks and nuns, though some laity pray it as well, focusing on deeper spiritual warfare and protection.

By following this rhythm, the Church ensures that the “divine world penetrates us,” as the Holy Spirit raises us to the divine realm. This constant prayer changes the believer and facilitates our deification (theosis), keeping our minds fixed on Christ as the “Way” throughout every hour of the day. In the Coptic tradition, prayer is not merely a duty but a means of sanctifying time itself.